Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes... London's constantly going through 'em, but right now a number of important/iconic sites are in flux. Here's what they are and when the transformations are taking place.
Admiralty Arch
What was it? Pompous Aston Webb-designed triumphal arch linking up Trafalgar Square and the Mall, and making people who pass beneath it feel important/insignificant.
What's it going to be? A very posh (and very curvy) Waldorf Astoria hotel with views of the Mall/Buck House — and a bar referencing previous tenants including Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming. (So a bar selling strong martinis.) We just hope they keep the strange nose that's been fixed to one of the arches for decades.
When's it going to happen? Latest reports suggest 2025.
Londonist Excitement Rating: ★★★☆☆
BT Tower
What was it? Sci-fi wand sticking out of Fitzrovia: once home to powerful transmitting gear, a revolving restaurant and — occasionally — Noel Edmonds. More recently a glorified totem pole/bucket list item for Open House weekend fans.
What's it going to be? A luxury hotel of course! MCR announced it had purchased the building in February 2024, and would be working with Heatherwick Studio to transform it into a hotel. Details are thin on the ground... just like the BT Tower is thin in the air.
When's it going to happen? Not any time soon. MCR says it'll take "significant time", and BT hasn't even cleared out its stuff yet. We're probably talking end of decade.
Londonist Excitement Rating: ★★★★★
Museum of London
What was it? The Museum of London. You know the one with the ersatz pleasure gardens and elephant's foot.
What's it going to be? Well, it MIGHT be completely bulldozed to make way for the elyisian-looking London Wall West development: office space, retail etc swaddled in so much unkempt greenery, it looks like somewhere you'd find Indiana Jones. But the Museum of London building (and neighbouring Bastion House) might alternatively have to be repurposed. Michael Gove (who is somehow still in charge of some pretty important things) is looking into it as we type.
When's it going to happen? If the demolition plans go ahead, the City of London Corporation says the new development will be ready to rock in 2040. But who knows, if they're only granted permission to adapt the current buildings, maybe it'll end up being sooner.
Londonist Excitement Rating: ★★★☆☆
Smithfield Market
What was it? Hub of London's meat trade. And part of it still is (until it moves to Dagenham).
What's it going to be? The new Museum of London aka the London Museum. Not just a case of moving stuff over from the old museum site, either. Plans are being kept close to chests at the moment, but we're promised various areas will be: Imagined Time, Temporary Time, Deep Time, Our Time, Past Time... yeah we don't really know what this means either. Give it, er, time.
When's it going to happen? The museum should open its doors in 2026.
Londonist Excitement Rating: ★★★★★
55 Broadway
What was it? Swoonworthy art deco nerve centre of London Transport/TfL. All marble corridors, jutting angles, and carvings by highly controversial artists. Some people will tell you it was London's first skyscraper.
What's it going to be? A swanky 500-room hotel, retaining all its Grade-listed features, and surely, SURELY boasting moquette patterned bedspreads.
When's it going to happen? Your guess is as good as ours on this one — but seeing as the purchase was five years ago, you'd have thought it can't be far off completion, unless they've hit some snags.
Londonist Excitement Rating: ★★★★☆
Kingsway Exchange
What was it? Wartime-era communication tunnels beneath Holborn. The sort of place where 'Q Branch' from James Bond might have hung out.
What's it going to be? A kind of sequel to the Churchill War Rooms — an immersive experience where you can get your fingers on touch-screen equipment, pretend to be Ben Whishaw, and imagine what it's like to be in a cold war sitch with, er, Russia. It'll also have Britain's deepest licensed bar... possibly serving more Ian Fleming-inspired martinis.
When's it going to happen? The aim is to get folks down there in 2027.
Londonist Excitement Rating: ★★★★☆
